Amajita coach Thabo Senong has made three changes to his starting line-up for Wednesday evening’s Caf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against hosts Zambia in Lusaka (kickoff: 6pm).
Senong‚ facing a tough challenge against the top-scoring team in the tournament (Zambia scored 10 goals to top Group A)‚ has opted for perhaps his most balanced line-up yet of the tournament for the match at the National Heroes Stadium.
SuperSport United’s Khanyisa Mayo‚ son of former Kaizer Chiefs striker Patrick‚ comes in at centre-forward for Liam Jordan‚ who has been left as an impact player on the bench‚ from the team that beat Sudan 3-1 in SA’s final Group B game.
The back four retains right-back Thendo Mukumela and central defenders Sandile Mthethwa and captain Tercious Malepe‚ with Notha Ngcobo back at left-back for Katlego Mohamme.
- Zambia expected to give SA something to think about in Afcon semisSouth Africa’s brittle defence at the CAf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be put to the test against the top-scoring team in the competition‚ hosts Zambia‚ in Wednesday’s semifinal in Lusaka.
In deep central midfield Wiseman Meyiwa returns to partner Teboho Mokoena‚ behind a skilful attacking trio of tournament top scorer Luther Singh (four goals)‚ Grant Margeman and man-of-the-match against Sudan Sibongakonke Mbatha.
Meyiwa’s introduction is at the expense of attacker Phakamani Mahlambi‚ who has returned to his club‚ Bidvest Wits‚ with Margeman pushed into a more forward role.
Amajita finished second in Group B with six points from wins against Sudan and Cameroon (also 3-1)‚ and a 4-3 defeat against Senegal‚ the group winners with seven points.
Senegal meet Group A runners-up Guinea in Thursday evening’s semifinal.
The final will be played in Lusaka on Sunday.
Wednesday night’s semifinal will be televised on SuperSport 5 and SuperSport 9.
- Shakes Mashaba compared to an 'old dog that could not be taught new tricks' at CCMA hearingEphraim "Shakes" Mashaba was compared to an old dog that could not be taught new tricks as his unfair dismissal hearing commenced at the Commission for Conciliation‚ Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices on Tuesday.
South Africa XI: Mondli Mpoto - Thendo Mukumela‚ Sandile Mthethwa‚ Tercious Malepe (capt.)‚ Notha Ngcobo - Wiseman Meyiwa‚ Teboho Mokoena‚ Sibongakonke Mbatha‚ Grant Margeman‚ Luther Singh - Khanyisa Mayo
Substitutes: Sanele Tshabalala; Khulekani Khubeka; Siyabonga Ngezana; Katlego Mohamme; Aghmat Ceres; Sipho Mbule; Kobamelo Kodisang; Itumeleng Shopane; Liam Jordan
- TMG Digital/TGM Sport
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 